Marine Vehicle Patents (Class 701/21)
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Patent number: 8376793Abstract: A surface drive for a watercraft with at least two drive units that is operated in different speed-dependent driving modes. The trim angles (?—1, ?—2) of the drive units (140, 140) are adjusted automatically and independently of one another, in order to reach a defined rotational speed (n—40) at which the maximum speed (v—40) is reached, during the driving mode in which the maximum speed of the watercraft is reached.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2007Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Andrea Chiecchi
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Patent number: 8376791Abstract: A surface drive for a watercraft (100) that is operated in different operating ranges dependent on a speed of the watercraft (100). A trim angle (?) is adjusted automatically in at least one operating range, via a closed control loop, with detection of preset regulating parameters and is automatically controlled, in at least one other operating range, with detection of preset control parameters in a manner established for the operating range.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2007Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Andrea Chiecchi
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Patent number: 8380374Abstract: In a method for navigating an undersea vehicle (12), navigation data about position, orientation, and absolute vehicle speed of the undersea vehicle (12) are determined from measurement data delivered by navigation sensors (17) via a navigation filter (18) which incorporates the measurement values of a Doppler log (14). To achieve a highly accurate tracking of the course taken by the undersea vehicle (12), particularly during submerging and surfacing phases, the stretch of water (10) traversed by the undersea vehicle (12) is divided into regions (13) which at least in the vertically oriented z-axis have a finite dimension within a Cartesian coordinate system (11).Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2008Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Atlas Elektronik GmbHInventors: Dirk Rathjen, Armin Schmiegel, Robert Engel
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Patent number: 8380375Abstract: A metrology device, computer program product and computer-implemented method generating survey data without having the device touch subsea objects being surveyed. The metrology device may be used with an underwater vehicle or diving personnel, and may comprise an inertial navigation system having gyroscopes to detect angular velocity and accelerometers for the detection of linear velocity and transported by an underwater robotic apparatus or diver, the inertial navigation system outputting position and orientation data of the device for storage; an aiding device for collecting image data of the subsea objects, the aiding device being positioned so that the distance and orientation between the optical scanner and the inertial navigation system is known; and a computer for using the position information and image data between a successively visited known point to determine the drift of the metrology device and to use the drift of the metrology device to correct measurements of same.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: IPOZ Systems, LLCInventor: Charles William Tink
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Publication number: 20130032073Abstract: An articulated tug barge hopper dredge including a tug, a barge, and a coupling system configured to interconnect the tug and the barge. The tug has a bow and the barge has a notch in a periphery of the barge. The notch is sized to receive the bow of the tug. The articulated tug barge hopper dredge further includes dredging machinery integrated with the barge and configured to excavate material dredged from the seabed. The dredging machinery includes trailing suction pipes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Inventors: Steve Becker, David Coombs, Paul LaMourie
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Patent number: 8370009Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method, and computer program product for monitoring oil condition. In one embodiment, a marine powertrain is provided that includes a marine engine and a gear casing containing an oil and a gas. An engine speed sensor generates an output value, which indicates a speed of the marine engine. An oil sensor generates an output value, which indicates a condition of the oil. The condition of the oil is selectively monitored according to whether the marine engine is operating at a speed that is less than an engine speed threshold value, which denotes a speed of the marine engine at which the oil and the gas form an oil and aerated gas mixture.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: AB Volvo PentaInventors: William Gremminger, Emil Hasl
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Patent number: 8364331Abstract: An intercepting vehicle, which is being towed by a towing vehicle, may home in on and attach to a retrievable vehicle that catches up to the intercepting vehicle from behind. Then, the intercepting vehicle, with the retrievable vehicle docked thereto, may be brought to the towing vehicle by reeling in the intercepting vehicle with the retrievable vehicle docked thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2012Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Vehicle Control Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Tureaud, Daniel N. Dietz, Stacy J. Hills, Douglas E. Humphreys, Alexander V. Roup
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Patent number: 8352105Abstract: An unmanned underwater vehicle incorporates a structure having an integral scintillating material for a radiation detector and detection electronics connected to the radiation detector for measurement of the scintillation. A communication system is employed for transmission of scintillation measurement to a remote facility and a navigation control system provides for autonomous operation of the unmanned underwater vehicle or remote operation through the communications system.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James G. Barnes, Thomas R. Austin
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Patent number: 8346415Abstract: Systems and methods for autonomous underwater navigation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for autonomous underwater navigation comprises an underwater communication network, at least one master controller node coupled to the underwater communication network, at least one network docking node coupled to the underwater communication network, and at least one submersible vehicle for underwater mapping at least a portion of a floor of a body of water. The submersible vehicle comprises a geolocation module to establish a geographic reference for at least one location in the underwater geographic region and an image collection module to collect images of an underwater geographic region proximate the geographic reference.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Harris O. Hinnant, Jr.
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Patent number: 8346395Abstract: Ship rudder control, so-called autopilot, includes a multiplicity of components connected with a bus interface to a CAN bus and via this also to each other. A further bus interface on each component of the control system is coupled to a separate, second bus, with the components being provided with unambiguous addresses and further information being assigned that mark the components as monitorable or non-monitorable. A device for emitting telegrams of component addresses and monitorability. A first comparator on all monitorable components start or switch off their own property as a monitoring component using the addresses of other components in received telegrams by comparison, and a second comparator on all monitorable components that use the number of received telegrams by comparison with the number of telegrams received on the other channel causing a change of the channel to that with the higher number of received telegrams under certain circumstances.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Raytheon Anschuetz GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Rosen, Norbert Pedersen, Michael Wessel
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Publication number: 20120325290Abstract: An offshore vessel embodies a mobile buoyant energy recovery system enabled to extract energy from solar power. An exemplary energy recovery system comprises concentrating solar thermal power systems (CSP) or concentrating photovoltaic power (CPV) systems on the deck of the vessel. Within the vessel hull, ballast water serves multiple purposes. The ballast not only stabilizes the vessel, but also provides reactant for hydrogen electrolysis or ammonia synthesis, or steam for a turbine. For CPV systems the ballast conducts heat as a coolant improving the efficiency and durability of photovoltaic cells. For CSP systems the ballast water becomes superheated steam through a primary heat exchanger in the concentrator. In some embodiments, some steam from the CSP primary heat exchanger or from the CPV coolant system undergoes high-pressure electrolysis of enhanced efficiency due to its high temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: INTEGRATED POWER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: ANDREW ROMAN GIZARA
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Patent number: 8340846Abstract: A boat propelling system capable of determining operation accuracy of a transmission mechanism includes an outboard engine main body, a swivel bracket arranged to allow the outboard engine main body to pivot in a right-left direction with respect to a hull, an electric motor provided in the swivel bracket to pivot the outboard engine main body in the right-left direction, a pivot sensor provided in the electric motor to detect a pivot angle of a motor shaft, a transmission mechanism provided in the swivel bracket to transmit a driving force of the electric motor to the outboard engine main body, a pivot sensor arranged to detect an actual pivot angle of the outboard engine main body, and an Electronic Control Unit arranged and programmed to control an operation of the boat propelling system.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Makoto Mizutani, Ryuta Hayami
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Patent number: 8340844Abstract: This invention relates to a GPS navigation system comprised of a submerged vessel having a navigation processor associated via buoyant cable with a buoy having a GPS device; wherein the cable contains: a data link between the vessel and the GPS device; and a location device for the determination of the location of the cable to the vessel; and wherein the processor computes a GPS position relative to the vessel. The invention also relates to a navigation process comprising the steps of: attaching a cable between a buoy and a submerged vessel; providing a GPS data relative to the buoy and cable location data over the cable to the submerged vessel; and using the GPS position of the buoy and location data to compute the GPS position of the submerged vessel.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Anthony Scoca, Mike Hanczor
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Patent number: 8340845Abstract: A theft deterrent apparatus in a marine vessel including a propulsion device having an engine coupled to a starter and a power generator, includes an authentication unit arranged to operate by receiving power from a battery that is arranged to supply power to the starter and accumulate power generated by the power generator, an operation control unit arranged to allow operation of the propulsion device if authentication by the authentication unit does succeed and prohibit operation of the propulsion device if authentication by the authentication unit does not succeed, a fault detection unit arranged to detect a fault of the authentication unit, and a fault detection control unit arranged to make a provisional fault judgment when the fault detection unit detects the fault of the authentication unit before completion of engine starting by the starter, and then make the fault detection unit perform the fault detection again after the completion of engine starting by the starter.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takaaki Bamba
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Patent number: 8340847Abstract: To propose a ship navigation control system that can easily and automatically switch between a target throttle opening for constant velocity navigation control and a target throttle opening corresponding to a lever operation amount of an operation lever. Throttle control means includes first computation means that computes a first target throttle opening for constant velocity navigation control of a ship based on a constant velocity navigation command using at least a ship velocity signal and a target ship velocity command signal, second computation means that computes a second target throttle opening corresponding to the lever operation amount, and a selection and output means that selects one having a smaller value of the first target throttle opening and the second target throttle opening and outputs the one as a throttle opening.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp.Inventors: Hitoshi Sako, Yasuhiko Ishida
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Patent number: 8332087Abstract: A system for dynamically collecting and distributing maritime data includes a vessel configured to transmit at a predetermined time, or upon electronic inquiry, a signal representative of a current location of the vessel or an expected location of the vessel; a computer network including one or more databases, each of which includes one or more zone of concern data, wherein the zone of concern data corresponds to a zone of concern; and a service provider configured to receive the signal, retrieve the one or more zone of concern data from the computer network based upon the signal and transmit the one or more zone of concern data to the vessel. The zone of concern data, which may be continually changing, may be sent from the service provider to the vessel on a continuous basis with respect to the changing location and heading of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Inventors: Victor John Yannacone, Jr., Allen F. Labbe
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Publication number: 20120304911Abstract: A dynamic anchoring system for use in stabilizing a floating platform is provided. The dynamic anchoring system includes a mooring assembly having a plurality of rodes each with an adjustable length. As waves cause the platform to rock, the length of each rode is adjusted in a manner to counteract the motion created by the waves. Thus, the platform remains substantially level. The platform supports a wind turbine on a mast. At least one motion sensor on the mast provides motion data indication the direction and speed of the hull's motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: CONVERTEAM NAVAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: TIMOTHY J. McCOY
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Patent number: 8326472Abstract: An automatic vessel position holding control method for holding a vessel position and a vessel heading of a vessel on the ocean in order to reduce a positional deviation and a heading deviation sharply as compared with the conventional automatic vessel position holding control by performing feedforward control for estimating and then compensating for at least one of a wave drifting force and a wave drifting moment that act on the vessel, wherein a vessel position holding control is performed that includes such controls as estimating waves entering the vessel from motion thereof, calculating at least one of the wave drifting force and the wave drifting moment from the estimated waves and performing feedforward control for at least one of the calculated wave drifting force and the calculated wave drifting moment.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignees: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and TechnologyInventors: Kazuyuki Igarashi, Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Satoru Nagase, Koh Murata, Masakatsu Saito, Eigou Miyazaki
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Patent number: 8321080Abstract: In engine temperature display device for a watercraft, an engine temperature data value is calculated based on a detection signal of a temperature of an engine of an outboard motor. The engine temperature data value is sent to an engine state display device installed in a watercraft by a LAN. A control portion of the engine state display device computes the engine temperature data value based on a plurality of threshold temperatures of a standard engine model stored in a nonvolatile memory, and converts the data value into a display data for indicating a temperature level among a plurality of temperature levels. The display data is displayed on a display device on the watercraft. An engine temperature data value calculating and sending device computes using a plurality of threshold values on an engine block wall temperature specific to an engine, and sends the appropriately converted engine temperature data value.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takaaki Bamba
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Publication number: 20120295499Abstract: Many of the known wave-powered devices (“WPDs”) comprise (1) a float, (2) a swimmer, and (3) a tether connecting the float and the swimmer. The swimmer generates thrust as the float moves up and down due to surface waves. A WPD is provided with a rigid tether that can be moved from (a) a first position (“adjacent position”) in which at least a part of the tether is adjacent to the float to (b) a second position (“extended position”) in which the tether (i) is extended below the float and (ii) is at least in part substantially rigid. The WPD can if desired be transported, stored, or launched while the tether is in the adjacent position, and the tether can be moved into the extended position after the device has been launched and remain in the extended position while the device is being operated.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.Inventor: Roger G. Hine
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Patent number: 8315750Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving the propulsion efficiency of vessels. The improvement is obtained by utilizing wave induced variations in propeller inflow, i.e. the speed of water flowing towards the propeller. The wave induced water speed variation is used to calculate the propeller speed in a way so that the propeller speed is optimal with respect to the total propulsion efficiency. The optimal propeller speed is determined by solving an optimization problem formulated as the maximization of the ratio of energy delivered by the propeller and the energy delivered to the propeller. The method may be used for vessels with one or more propellers.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Propeller Control ApSInventors: Mogens Blanke, Luca Pivano
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Patent number: 8306673Abstract: The present invention relates to a power riding apparatus with electronic options, a wireless user interface for control such apparatus, and a wave-information-system. One embodiment of the power riding apparatus is a surfboard configured with a booster system. An alternative embodiment is a motorized land board, such as a skateboard with a motor. The booster system or land board motor is electrically associated with an onboard controller. The onboard controller is in wireless communication with a user interface associated with a user. The user activates the user interface as desired to control the booster system and activate other board features such as: lighting system, repellant system, anti-theft system, entertainment system, recording system, and communication system.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Inventor: Doug Manning
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Publication number: 20120277941Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel includes a processor, a propulsion system, and a directional system. The processor is disposed onboard the marine vessel and obtains a trip plan that includes designated operational settings of the marine vessel for a trip along a waterway. The propulsion system is communicatively coupled with the processor and generates propulsion to move the marine vessel according to the designated operational settings of the trip plan. The directional system is communicatively coupled with the processor and steers the marine vessel according to the designated operational settings of the trip plan. Operating the propulsion system and the directional system according to the designated operational settings of the trip plan reduces at least one of fuel consumed or emissions generated by the marine vessel relative to the marine vessel being propelled or steered according to one or more plans other than the trip plan.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: JOSEPH FORREST NOFFSINGER, PAUL HOUPT, JARED COOPER, MASON SAMUELS
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Patent number: 8299956Abstract: A target in a mobile platform's obstructed zone can be cleared from the obstructed zone and engaged in the most time-efficient manner by determining the direction of the maneuver that would require the shortest amount of time to clear the target and then maneuvering the mobile platform in that direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Mark A. Friesel
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Publication number: 20120266799Abstract: A method for maintaining the heading of a ship during movements caused by waves approaching the ship from a stern direction by activating a control surface in a bow of the ship such that the control surface converts a water flow along the bow into a lateral force that opposes roll, yaw, or heeling movements and course changes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventor: Jan Alexander Keuning
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Patent number: 8296001Abstract: A marine electronic device such as a chartplotter which includes a display; a location determining component; and a processing system for receiving location data from the location determining component and for causing information to be displayed by display. The processing system causes the display to display information which assists an operator in navigating and ascertaining characteristics of bodies of water, objects on nearby shores, and other vessels.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Garmin Switzerland GmbHInventors: Darrin W. Kabel, Darren E. Hain, Brayden S. Wilbeck, Christopher B. Bilderback
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Publication number: 20120265380Abstract: Systems and methods for operating autonomous waterborne vessels in a safe manner. The systems include hardware for identifying the locations and motions of other vessels, as well as the locations of stationary objects that represent navigation hazards. By applying a computational method that uses a maritime navigation algorithm for avoiding hazards and obeying COLREGS using Velocity Obstacles to the data obtained, the autonomous vessel computes a safe and effective path to be followed in order to accomplish a desired navigational end result, while operating in a manner so as to avoid hazards and to maintain compliance with standard navigational procedures defined by international agreement. The systems and methods have been successfully demonstrated on water with radar and stereo cameras as the perception sensors, and integrated with a higher level planner for trailing a maneuvering target.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Yoshiaki Kuwata, Michael T. Wolf, Dimitri V. Zarzhitsky, Hrand Aghazarian, Terrance L. Huntsberger, Andrew B. Howard
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Patent number: 8290647Abstract: An apparatus for integrally managing a ship includes a device manager for integrally managing different types of local ship devices in the ship by using a standardized protocol message; a local device manager for managing local ship devices in a legacy environment on the basis of an independent local protocol; and an inter-working framework (IWF) for performing translation of a protocol for compatibility between the standardized protocol and the independent local protocol to manage the different types of local ship devices between the device manager and the local device manager. The device manager receives a remote control instruction for remotely maintaining and repairing the local ship device from a remote server connected through a wired/wireless communication network.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Chang Eun Lee, Jun Hee Park, Kwangil Lee, Kyeong Deok Moon
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Patent number: 8290636Abstract: The present invention relates to a power riding apparatus with electronic options, a wireless user interface for control such apparatus, and a wave-information-system. One embodiment of the power riding apparatus is a surf board configured with a booster system. The booster system is electrically associated with an onboard controller. The onboard controller is in wireless communication with a user interface associated with a user. The user activates the user interface as desired to control the booster system and activate other board features such as: lighting system, repellant system, anti-theft system, entertainment system, recording system, and communication system. Embodiments of the invention include surf boards, water boards of all types, as wells as boards with wheels such as skate boards.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2008Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Inventor: Doug Manning
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Publication number: 20120259489Abstract: A short-term planned route from a start position that is a ship position at a first time up to an end position that is the ship position at a second time is designed based on a planned route, an estimated encounter marine phenomenon information, operation performance information measured on a ship, and a hull motion model of the ship, the estimated encounter marine phenomenon information being measured on the ship based on actually encountered marine phenomenon information. The short-term planned route makes a first evaluation function optimal, the first evaluation function containing: an index indicating an influence of a fluctuation portion between a planned position that is a ship position planned at the second time on the planned route and the end position; a fuel consumption index when the ship sails along the short-term planned route; and a safety index when the ship sails along the short-term planned route.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masanori Hamamatsu, Makoto Baino, Yasuo Saito, Hiroaki Mori
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Publication number: 20120253566Abstract: A ship motion prediction system is described that includes a plurality of surface platforms and a central computer having a communications interface. The platforms each include a propulsion system for movement of the platform, a plurality of sensors operable for gathering sensor data relating to an environment proximate the platform, a processing device communicatively coupled to the propulsion system and the plurality of sensors, and a transceiver communicatively coupled to the processing device. The central computer includes a communications interface, and the processing device is programmed to transmit sensor data to the central computer via the transceiver and the communications interface. The central computer is programmed to transmit commands for operation of the propulsion system to the processing device via the communications interface and transceiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Philip J. Ballou, Henry Chen
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Publication number: 20120248769Abstract: An apparatus for extracting wave energy may include a watercraft, a pendulum and an energy converter. The watercraft may be configured to roll in response to wave action and may have roll characteristics that are tunable to characteristics of the wave action. The pendulum may be supported by the watercraft to enable the pendulum to swing in response to the wave action. An energy converter may be configured to convert the relative movement of the pendulum and watercraft into electrical energy. The pendulum may also be tunable to characteristics of the wave action.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: Huntington Ingalls, Inc.Inventors: William J. LAZ, Todd L. SEDLER, Mohamed BELKHAYAT
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Patent number: 8272906Abstract: An outboard motor control device is arranged to control a plurality of outboard motors. The outboard motor control device includes a malfunction determination unit arranged to determine whether any of the outboard motors is malfunctioning in turning angle control, a turning angle control stop unit arranged to stop turning angle control of an outboard motor determined as malfunctioning in turning angle control by the malfunction determination unit, a turning angle range limitation unit arranged to limit a turning angle range of other normally functioning outboard motor according to a turning angle of the outboard motor malfunctioning in turning angle control, and a turning angle control unit arranged to perform turning angle control of the normally functioning outboard motor in the turning angle range limited by the turning angle range limitation unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Makoto Ito
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Patent number: 8275170Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for detecting a horizon which is necessary to detect a camera movement when compositing sea images in a marker-free sea-image camera tracking system. In the method, an ROI is selected near a horizon in a still image of the moving image of the sea, and each maximum point corresponding to the maximum brightness difference is detected from brightness differences between two pixels of each pair having two symmetrical pixels in each column of the ROI. The horizon is detected through a line-fitting using the maximum points. Therefore, the result of horizon detection can be very stable and a horizon can be easily detected in a sea scene having hundreds of frames.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2007Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Jae Kwang Lee, Chang Joon Park, In Ho Lee
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Publication number: 20120239228Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one propulsion member and a power generation system. The power generation system includes a power source and a transmission configured to provide torque to the at least one propulsion member. The power generation system further includes a control apparatus comprising an input device and a processor. The processor is configured to receive signals indicative of a power output command, a plurality of detected ambient air conditions, and a plurality of detected power generation system parameters. The processor is also configured to determine a plurality of power generation system control settings for improving efficiency of the vehicle based on at least one of signals indicative of the power output command, the signals indicative of the plurality of detected ambient air conditions, and the signals indicative of a plurality of power generation system parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Inventor: David W. VOS
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Publication number: 20120239232Abstract: A method for determining correction during steering of a point on an object towed by a towing device, the object point, toward a target position, the object being provided with a bird, including the steps of determining a target position; determining the position of the object point, determining the speed and acceleration of the object point and directions of these and thereby determining an inline direction; determining whether the inline is directed toward the target position and if it deviates from the desired direction, determining a distance vector between the object point and the target position; calculating the object point distance, speed and acceleration components at least in the lateral direction or the vertical direction; and transferring values for the components to a control system for the corresponding birdType: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2010Publication date: September 20, 2012Inventor: Peder Solheim
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Publication number: 20120239231Abstract: Systems and methods for providing dynamic control to a vehicle in a dynamic fluid. The systems and methods of the invention relate to one or more morphable surfaces that can be controlled by a controller and an actuator in an active manner to provide asperities that interact with a fluid moving across the morphable surfaces. By controlling the size, shape and location of the asperities, one can exert control authority over the motion of the vehicle relative to the fluid, including a speed, a direction and an attitude of the vehicle. Examples of materials that provide suitable morphable surfaces include ionic polymer metal composites and shape memory polymers, both of which types of material are commercially available. Useful morphable surface systems have been examined and are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Inventor: Beverley J. McKeon
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Patent number: 8271154Abstract: A method is proposed for controlling a hybrid drive in a rail vehicle in which an electronic route timetable (SPL) is predefined as route-section-related speeds by means of a train control device, route-section-related types of drive for the rail vehicle are predictively determined by means of the electronic route timetable (SPL) before the journey begins, a deviation of the actual position from a setpoint position of the rail vehicle which is obtained from the electronic route timetable (SPL) is determined while the rail vehicle is travelling, a time margin is calculated on the basis of the difference in position, and the current type of drive is retained or changed as a function of the time margin.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: MTU Friedrichshafen GmbHInventors: Ingo Lehmann, Holger Bottlang
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Patent number: 8271155Abstract: There is elucidated a safety system for a marine vessel. The vessel includes two engines coupled to propellers for propelling the vessel through water. The vessel is provided with a digital anchor in communication with the two engines for maintaining the vessel substantially at a defined location when the anchor is activated. The safety system includes a sensor assembly coupled to a data processing assembly for sensing a region of said water at least partially surrounding the vessel for detecting one or more persons present in the region and for modifying operation of the digital anchor in response to the one or more persons being detected. The invention is of advantage in that the digital anchor is capable of responding to the one or more persons being present in the water and thereby reducing a risk of injury or loss of life when the digital anchor is employed.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2011Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: AB Volvo PentaInventor: Lennart Arvidsson
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Publication number: 20120232719Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel that includes a sonar depth finder configured to display a chart for a body of water. The chart has depth information for the body of water, and is programmed to allow a user to select from a plurality of depths indicated on the sonar depth finder display. The sonar depth finder further is configured to generate a route for the marine vessel. The route includes a path through the body of water where each point along the path is at the desired depth. The system includes a vessel control device in communication with the sonar depth finder. The vessel control device is configured to receive transmissions from the sonar depth finder. The transmissions include the route generated by the sonar depth finder. The vessel control device is further configured to automatically direct the marine vessel along the route.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.Inventors: Paul D. Salmon, Michael Wesley Wood, Jeffrey Earl Smith
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Publication number: 20120232727Abstract: A control device controls the operating state of each of a plurality of propulsion machines arranged in parallel in a marine vessel. Control devices are connected to each other by a communication line through which operating information of the propulsion machine is mutually transmitted and received. The control device includes a unit which determines the installation position of a corresponding propulsion machine, a unit which determines the connection state of another propulsion machine connected to the communication line, and a unit which determines a propulsion machine as a control reference from among a plurality of control devices. The propulsion machine as a control reference is switched to a propulsion machine which is arbitrarily designated by an operator or a propulsion machine which has the highest priority as a control reference.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Kenichi IWATA, Makoto ITOI
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Patent number: 8265812Abstract: An autopilot system includes a navigation application for computing angular position and angular turn rate of a pilot line and an autopilot steering application for calculating steering commands for a ship steering device. The pilot line provides directional guidance to a ship and is a vector having one end attached to a point on the ship and a second end pointing to a desired direction. The autopilot steering application receives the computed pilot line angular position and angular turn rate and calculates angular position steering commands for the steering device. The steering commands are calculated by taking into account the difference between the pilot line angular position and the ship's angular position and the difference between the pilot line angular turn rate and the ship's angular turn rate.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Inventor: William M Pease
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Patent number: 8261682Abstract: A boat trim tab system having an automatic controller for positioning trim tabs to perform user selected preset functions or maintain previously used positions in response to real time operating conditions. The system is intended to be a stand alone system that is installed on a boat using a master control module to operate the trim tabs and a manual keypad to provide a user interface to the master control module. The system gathers real time data from a variety of onboard sources and uses the data to determine the optimal position of the trim tabs to enhance boat performance.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Inventor: Richard DeVito
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Patent number: 8265811Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for active heave compensation, the method, in certain aspects, including the steps of: (a) measuring with a measurement device (44) the heave of a vessel (10) and outputting a heave signal representative thereof; (b) using said heave signal to compensate for said heave by moving a connection device (20) relative to said vessel (10) as a function of said heave signal, whereby movement due to said heave of a load attached to said vessel via the connection device is reduced; said heave signal comprising errors induced by said measurement device (44) whereby accuracy of said compensation is reduced; (c) processing said heave signal so as to reduce said errors and outputting an adjusted heave signal; and (d) using said adjusted heave signal to move said connection device (20) to compensate for said heave.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.Inventor: Aage Kyllingstad
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Patent number: 8265809Abstract: The present invention relates to an autonomous underwater vehicle (“AUV”) for monitoring underwater fluid currents by detecting electrical currents induced by the flow of a conductive liquid through the Earth's magnetic field. More particularly, the present invention relates to the gathering of data related to underwater fluid currents and the control of AUV motion during data gathering.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Teledyne Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Douglas C. Webb
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Patent number: 8265810Abstract: A method for automatically controlling the speed of a ship, in which the engine speed (nMOT) is automatically controlled by a closed-loop engine speed control system as an inner closed-loop control system, the ship's speed (vS) is automatically controlled by a closed-loop ship's speed control system as an outer closed-loop control system, and the ship's set speed (vSL) is influenced as a reference input of the closed-loop ship's speed control system as a function of an external signal source. The ship's set speed (vSL) is corrected as a function of the underwater topography (TOPO).Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: MTU Friedrichshafen GmbHInventors: Marc Hehle, Hans-Gerd Freisem, Olaf Kammertoens
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Patent number: 8260476Abstract: A Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system guides navigation of a vessel enabled to extract energy from wind and/or water currents primarily in offshore marine environments. An exemplary SCADA system could embody server and client software applications running on microprocessor systems at a remote control central service logging and energy distribution facility, and the vessel itself. The remote control service facility runs Human Machine Interface (HMI) software in the form of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) allowing choices to maximize system performance. The central server accesses information to control vessel position based on transmitted Global Position Satellite (GPS) data from the vessel, and weather information from the Geographic Information System (GIS) provided by multiple spatial temporal data sources.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Integrated Power Technology CorporationInventors: Andrew Roman Gizara, Michael Dominic Cicali
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Publication number: 20120221182Abstract: To perform control of movement of a marine vessel traveling through water during a seismic survey operation, input information relating to factors that affect a speed of the marine vessel is received. The speed of the marine vessel is adjusted in response to the received information relating to the factors that affect the speed of the marine vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.Inventors: ANDREAS HOLO, KENNETH E. WELKER
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Patent number: 8255102Abstract: A steering unit (1), for a steer-by-wire ship control system, comprises a steering wheel (3), a controller (11) that is connected to the electronic controller of the ship control system (ECU) via a CAN bus, a sensor (10) for detecting an angular position of the steering wheel (3), and a unit for generating mechanical resistance in the steering wheel (3), in which the unit for generating mechanical resistance in the steering wheel (3) is an electric motor (8) and the shaft (2) of the steering wheel (3), that is rotationally fixed to the steering wheel (3), is rotationally fixed to the rotor (7) of the electric motor (6), and the stator (8) of the electric motor (6) is rotationally fixed to the housing (5) of the electric motor (6).Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Adriano Zanfei
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Patent number: 8249764Abstract: The invention relates to a motorized watercraft with a control device (1) and with a drive unit (30) having a water propeller that is driven by an electric motor (31). The electric motor (31), an operating unit (10), a motor controller (20), a battery controller (50) and a battery (60) are placed in a vehicle hull, and the water propeller is mounted in a flow channel in the vehicle hull. In order to connect the controlling components and the components to be controlled by means of a system architecture, a system bus and of a man-machine interface, the invention provides that the operating unit (10), the motor controller (20), and the battery controller (50) are data-connected by means of a communications device controlled by the control device (1). This enables an, in particular, fail-safe transmission of data, a constant monitoring of the system components, and when required, an emergency shut-down.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Rotinor GmbHInventors: Ralf Bauer, Jürgen Grimmelsen